Microscopy is used across most life sciences including cell biology, developmental biology, electrophysiology, plant science, marine biology, microbiology and forensics, in academia, clinical settings, and commercial research and development. Beyond life science, microscopy is a firmly established analysis tool in materials, formulation, and information technology.

Light microscopes are essential analytical laboratory tools that allow scientific investigators to view objects to as much as a thousand times their original size. In its simplest form, the light microscope is composed of a clear lens that magnifies the sample and a light source to illuminate it. However, most are much more complex and house numerous fine-tuned lenses with tightly controlled dimensions, all within the body of the instrument itself and in components such as the objectives and eyepieces.

Methods, Benefits, & Microscope Price

Widefield Microscopy
Stereomicroscopes provide the lowest magnification, particularly useful for whole specimen observation. For higher magnification and analysis of slide mounted specimens, a standard widefield microscope is required. Most widefield instruments will offer brightfield as well as darkfield and phase contrast viewing, which offers different contrasts and views of your images.

Confocal Microscopy
Confocal microscopy, in particular using fluorescent imaging, is now arguably the leading technology for life science microscopy applications. It is an adaptation of light microscopy that offers improved resolution over widefield microscopy. The key to this is the restricted manner in which light reaches the photomultiplier through a pinhole. This restricts the amount of un-focused light that is captured from the sample, increasing the contrast and dramatically increasing the resolution of what you are looking at. There are several different types of confocal microscopy:

Advanced confocal imaging techniques include FLIM, FRET, FRAP and FLIP, and can be used in association with TIRF imaging.

Confocal microscopy offers the ability to control depth of field, elimination or reduction of background information, and the capability to collect sections from specimens that are several opticals thick. The signal-to-noise ratio is significantly improved over widefield microscopy, and it can be used with both live and fixed specimens, allowing the possibility to produce 3D images of cellular structures.

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
A confocal laser scanning microscope scans a sample sequentially point by point or multiple points at once. The pixel information is assembled into an image. This follow on from confocal microscopy allows the user to acquire sophisticated 3D images of their sample or individual structures within their sample. At any one focal position, a confocal laser scanning system can acquire multiple images over a selection of different depths and then combine these to make a 3D composite image, a technique called optical sectioning.

Upright vs. Inverted?
More inverted systems are being developed and made available in the marketplace as applications become more advanced. Uprights are still the right choice for some applications, such as analyzing zebrafish embryos or stained tissue selection, but for most existing and emerging cellular imaging applications, the inverted orientation is favored.

Fluorescence Imaging
The trade-off for improving resolution by restricting the light that is detected is that sample brightness is decreased. Therefore, with confocal microscopy, one or more fluorescent labels are typically employed to highlight structures of interest and improve contrast within a specimen. Even greater contrast and differentiation can be achieved when multiple fluorescent labels are used for different structures. The use of fluorescence in microscopy enables the more specific analysis of a specimen. Cells and tissues can be stained or labeled with one or any number of dyes to allow complex visualization of structures, such as nuclei or proteins. Active Illumination (AL) solutions can be used alongside particular microscopy techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy. They are used in photoactivation (e.g. with fluorescent proteins), FRAP and marking, among other uses. Spinning disk and Sweptfield confocal systems are ideal for the imaging of high-speed intracellular events such as calcium ion dynamics.

Whatever your needs might be, the Excedr equipment lease program can accommodate your lab’s requirements and model preferences. Contact us today and see how leasing can discount your microscope price.

Live Cell Imaging
Live cell imaging allows for some groundbreaking studies to be carried out, producing images and real-time tracking and imaging of even the most subtle of cellular process and changes. Microscopy with live cell imaging is now a commonplace technology for cell biology such as cell signaling studies, cell culture maintenance, developmental biology and other life science applications; many fluorescence and confocal systems now offer live cell imaging capabilities.

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM)

This highly sensitive technique allows you to perform functional investigations in living cells. It only images structures within a very thin layer as it uses total internal reflection to illuminate cells contacting a surface and only produces a very narrow excitation depth. Because the illumination is so focused, TIRFM allows very high resolution 2D images, down to less than 200nm. This is therefore not a high-throughput technique, but one for analyzing very specific, small cellular events at the surface. TIRFM is the method of choice to visualize single molecules in living cells, in particular fluorescent molecules located at the cell adhesion sites, and in cell membrane and membrane proximal cytoplasmic organelles.

Confocal, scanning laser, live cell imaging, and TIRFM are all on the forefront of technology, and accordingly, they are the most expensive options a lab can choose. As for widefield and fluorescence methods, they are relatively more affordable but remain a large, burdensome capital expenditure. That being said, your company can save a substantial amount of time and money by enrolling in our rental program instead of purchasing outright.

We Offer a Variety of Microscopy Instrumentation Leases to Suit Your Needs

Operating Lease
This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional cash savings.

Sale Leaseback
If you recently purchased equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your instrument and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up cash in your budget rather than tying it down to the instrument.

Whether you are looking to lease a next generation sequencer or leaseback an imaging system, we can help. Fill out our contact form or call us at (510) 982-6552 to discuss the configurations for your leased lab equipment.

Effect On Credit & Operating Capital

Leasing does not hinder your future borrowing ability and allows you to keep your business credit line open for expansions, staffing, and other operational expenses. Additionally, it strengthens the cash flow of your business and keeps cash reserves free for business development opportunities.

Used Equipment

Unlike traditional financing and leasing companies, the Excedr program can accommodate refurbished/reconditioned equipment in addition to demo units. If you are looking for additional cost-savings, we recommend considering this option.

Speed Of Approval

Excedr’s lease program allows you to respond quickly as your need for equipment and technology arises. You can be approved with minimal documentation and have the equipment you need in operation and generating revenue for your business quickly.

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